Political parties and football teams have similarities. They are groups of individuals combined for a single purpose: to win and keep winning. For the former, by achieving power and delivering in government; for the latter, by scoring goals.
The conference showed a large number of people, many of them young, wondering what part a rehabilitated, reinvigorated, Christian conservatism inspired by Burke and Disraeli might have to play.
A low-key event with an invited audience next week will explore how to apply lessons and methods from the Party’s past to its present and future.
It was the brainchild of Rab Butler, set up to educate Tory members. 54,000 Conservative activists, agents and other students took courses.